Essential oils that help with constipation

Constipation is a very common issue that many people suffer from. Being constipated means not being able to easily pass stool and can cause pain or strain during bowel movements.

Some problems that cause constipation may be simple and easy to treat, such as diet changes, or they may be more complex, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

There are also medications to treat the issues of constipation, but they may carry certain side effects. Due to this reason, people often turn towards natural remedies to treat their constipation. 

Essential oils are one of natural remedies that people are using to treat constipation. They are full of health based properties extracted from different parts of plants. The use of essential oils may improve the digestive system and help in proper bowel movement.

Essential oils are very concentrated and should not be consumed, these are some of the best ways to use essential oils: 

• Diluting them with a carrier oil such as coconut oil or olive oil, before applying them on your skin
• Inhale them through a diffuser that is designed for essential oils, inhaling the diluted oils can have therapeutic effects on both the mind and body.
• Mixing them with an existing product, such as body lotion.
• Warm compressed application, for a soothing experience, add essential oils to a warm, wet washcloth and use it as a hot compress. This method combines the calming effects of heat with the therapeutic properties of the oils.

Here are some of the best essential oils that are proven to help relieve constipation:

Peppermint oil

Peppermint oil has a cooling effect due to it containing menthol.

To soothe stomach discomfort and constipation, combine one drop of peppermint oil with 3-4 drops of a carrier oil and apply it to your abdomen. Gently massage the oil in circular motions and inhale the aroma. The massage will help you increase your bowel movement and by inhaling the aroma your abdomen muscles will relax.

The menthol in peppermint can be irritating to some skin types, so make sure to do a patch test before applying it to your abdomen.

Ginger oil

Known to mostly be used in food for its flavor, ginger is commonly used to ease nausea and digestive issues too. Ginger oil has digestive stimulatory effects

 that can increase gastric motility, preventing and treating constipation.

Ginger oil is much more concentrated than the complete root, so the best way to use it is to add it on a warm and soothing compressed cloth and add it on the abdomen, here is how:

Soak a towel or cotton wrap in hot water(be careful not to be too hot), squeeze the excess water from the towel and add 2 drops of ginger oil on it. Lie down and apply the towel or cotton wraps on your abdomen ,relax like that for several minutes. Once the towel has cooled, massage the abdomen in circular motion for 2-3 minutes.

Fennel oil

Fennel oil has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to help treat digestive issues. 

It can help relax the intestines resulting in reduced bloating, and help relieve constipation.

Fennel oil can help get the intestines moving when applied on the abdominal or inhaled: mix 2 drops of fennel oil with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) and massage it on the abdomen in circular motions. Start with smaller circles around the navel, gradually increasing the size of the motions.

Or add a few drops of fennel oil to an essential oil diffuser and inhale the aroma.

Lavender oil

Lavender has been known for its soothing effects since ancient times to help with relaxation and calm.

Stress and tension can often contribute to digestive issues, and lavender's soothing properties may help reduce these issues. Diffusing lavender can help a person relax and relieve stress, which may be helpful for digestive problems, such as stomach pain, gas, and constipation.

Dilute 2 drops of lavender essential oil with a carrier oil and gently massage it on the abdomen. You can add a few drops of lavender oil in a diffuser and inhale it.

Lemon oil

Lemon oil contains various strong antioxidants and is highly concentrated, which can aid in digestion while reducing inflammation simultaneously. This combination can encourage smooth and optimal digestive system functioning and eliminate constipation.
A study has also proven that using lemon oil in aromatherapy massages improved digestion significantly.

Mix lemon oil into a carrier oil, and massage it into the skin. It can also be put in an air diffuser to inhale the scent of the lemon oil.